A fantasy retreat for the fairytale king: Ludwig II of Bavaria

Born in 1845, Ludwig II of Bavaria revered the Romanticism of the Middle Ages and the grandeur of the French court in the Age of Absolutism. He resurrected the spirit of these times in his famous fairytale castles, which today enchant millions of visitors every year.

Neuschwanstein is known all over the world as a symbol of idealised romantic architecture and for the tragic story of its owner. After losing sovereignty in his own kingdom, Ludwig II withdrew into his own world of myths, legend and fairytales.

In 1878, Ludwig II of Bavaria commissioned an extravagant palace to be built on idyllic Herrenwörth Island in Lake Chiemsee. Inspired by the French 'Sun King' Louis XIV, this fairytale showpiece now attracts millions of visitors every year.

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